Combo + effect, or head+cab, or pre+power+cab?

[belaxa]

I´m user of 200W solid state Crate 1x15 combo. It´s nice, well made heavyweight combo. but after play a destroyed Xibson Lex Paux on an vintage SVT and a Xender 2x15 cab.... wow! I´can feel the wind in front of that rig. Plus, the dynamics and sound of the tubes.
What can I do to improve my sound? I would change my combo to an Ampeg rocket 100 (solid sate, mmmm..) or put an effect box between my Stingray and my Crate?

 

[Dr. Nick]

I´m user of 200W solid state Crate 1x15 combo. It´s nice, well made heavyweight combo. but after play a destroyed Xibson Lex Paux on an vintage SVT and a Xender 2x15 cab.... wow! I´can feel the wind in front of that rig. Plus, the dynamics and sound of the tubes.
What can I do to improve my sound? I would change my combo to an Ampeg rocket 100 (solid sate, mmmm..) or put an effect box between my Stingray and my Crate?

There's only so much you can do that will significantly improve the sound of what you have (perhaps a "Sonic Maximizer" or "Aural Exciter" type of gizmo).

The best thing you can do is get more watts. As many as you can afford.

 

[maddog]

I would change my combo to an Ampeg rocket 100 (solid sate, mmmm..) or put an effect box between my Stingray and my Crate?

Not sure a rocket100 would get you what you're looking for. Best bet would probably be to go the separate head/cab route. Start building a rig as big as you can afford.

 

[MCBTunes]

personally.... Unless more wattage is something you need... I would try sticking something like a Sansamp BDDI in front of your crate first...

You didnt mention playing huge stadiums or having to crank your amp you have now everytime you play. I have a Crate 25 practice amp along with my eden rig and crate is good stuff.

Atleast try the pedal before you start building a rig you really dont need.

 

[oddjob]

So much depends on purpose of the amp. Are you just practicing, gigging every now and then, all the time? Plans to take over the world??? Most here would say get all the amp you can afford (myself included). Extra watts equal extra headroom. However, there is also the quality factor to look into (better amp, less watts). There are also the "how much do I really need this" and "why do I need this" factors (which is what you really need to answer first).

Effects are nice but they aren't the true harbinger of tone. Better basses and better amps are the way to go. In other words get "your tone" first then play with the effects.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Headroom is king. +1 on more watts.

 

[AnthonyD]

Watts are your friend...

 

[belaxa]

Then...What preamp?

Ok I understand more watts more headroom we have. A power amp can do the job. I´m looking for Crest, Crown, AmericanPro...
But in preamps, I want the tubey sound. Real tube preamps are the inmediate answer, but Programable BDDI Sansamp can achieve 3 presets in a stompbox, its a preamp, distortion pedal, lightweight and cheaoer than real tuve preamps, but its a simulator. (very good one).
I don´t know if this its the right direction to made those analog clipping semidistorted fat tone.
I cant carry an Fender Bassman 2x15!monster.

 

[Alz®]

BBE BMAX-T is the way to go......I know Beaver had one for sale.....maybe he still has.

 

[Aussie Mark]

But in preamps, I want the tubey sound. .

Alembic FX-1